Grinding mechanics of ceramics: from mechanism to modeling

Abstract High-temperature-resistant and chemically stable ceramic materials exhibit great adaptability across numerous industrial applications. Grinding is an essential component of the precision shaping and manufacturing processes for ceramic structural components. However, the low machining efficiency and high machining damage rate caused by hard and brittle material properties have been a challenge in both academia and industry. Grinding force is the most critical parameter reflecting the grinding system, and establishing an accurate prediction model is highly significant in reducing machining damage. However, a knowledge gap remains in the comprehensive review and evaluation of grinding force models for ceramic materials, which is undoubtedly not conducive to further theoretical advances. This review discusses the removal mechanism for polycrystalline ceramic materials. Subsequently, it comprehensively reviews and comparatively evaluates detailed grinding force modeling knowledge. Furthermore, it explores the specificities of the ultrasonic and laser energy-field-assisted grinding of ceramic materials in terms of their physical behavior and mechanical modeling. Finally, the theoretical value of grinding force modeling for predicting the damage to ceramic materials is explored. The current limitations of the grinding process, mechanical modeling of ceramic materials, corresponding potential research directions, and valuable research content are provided. The goal is to derive actionable low-damage grinding guidelines and establish a robust theoretical framework that enhances the quality of grinding processes for ceramics and other hard and brittle solids.